Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Wine Trail: A Winery Lover’s Labor Day!

Labor Day weekend’s road trip found us on Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Wine Trail.  There are several wineries on the Brandywine Wine Trail.  Headed down the trail in the rolling hills of Chester County we had a truly special time at the “Summer Under the Stars Jazz Festival” at Chaddsford Winery.  We arrived just in time to catch the lively sounds of The Budesa Brothers jazz band. You could readily sense the warm camarderie of the Chaddsford Winery patrons as they happily tapped their feet, mingled about and experienced the wonderful tastings with catered cheeses, salads and meats.   Despite the fact that proprietors Eric and Lee Miller were on vacation, the event was left in capable hands with Winery Manager Gregory Kuhn at the helm.  An amicable guy, Gregory moved about with hospitality and winery staff in tow, all of whom under his leadership were moving about tending to the needs of the winery patrons.

The very charming tasting room was spacious, elegant and impressively filled with Chaddsford Winery’s award winning wines.  We were warmly greeted by alum Nicole Matregano (a graduate of Temple University’s Hospitality School) and festival worker Mary Croak. Nicole and Mary guided us to our wine selection, the Chaddsford’s 2008 Proprietors Reserve.  A very nice blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Vignoles, the Proprietors Reserve paired wonderfully with our three cheese plate of pepper jack, white cheddar and blue cheese. A straw colored zesty citrus wine with hints of lemon, the Proprietors Reserve nicely complimented our cheese plate and thinly sliced roast beef.

Founded in 1982, and housed in a 17th Century Colonial Barn, the Chaddsford Winery sits in the midst of a very beautiful country setting full of distinct charm.   It is the oldest and largest of the wineries on the Brandywine Wine Trail.  On the 30 acre estate vineyard, Winemaker Eric Miller has produced award winning wines.  We took note of the fact that the winery is winner of eight gold medals and three silver medals in the 2009 PWA Pennsylvania Wine Competition.   Chaddsford Winery holds multiple awards in international wine competitions as well.

Winery lovers may find it a real treat this harvest season to experience the good food, good wine and good company should you make a stop at Chaddsford Winery on the Brandywine Wine Trail.